The Manchurian Candidate Essay, Research Paper

Subject: Recommendation about The Manchurian Candidate

I would like to first state that President John F. Kennedy s assassination was a very tragic incident that touched the hearts of many around the world. He hoped for both the equal rights of Americans and the peace of the world. He will always be remembered not only because of his young age but as a great person as well. I realize that government officials have been urging you to withdraw The Manchurian Candidate out of respect for President Kennedy, and because of tensions with the Soviet Union. I really feel it isn t necessary to take that route of action. On behalf of everyone who has worked on the film including the executives and myself I believe we are very respectful and understanding towards this controversy. Yet I feel our hard work and dedication shouldn t go on pause because the United States and the Soviet Union are on thin ice.

To be honest with you Mr. Stowe, we defend ourselves and this movie from a quote by Raymond Shaw when he says, There are two kinds of people in this world: Those that enter a room and turn the television set on, and those that enter a room and turn the television set off. [The Manchurian Candidate] This clearly describes the feelings of both sides on this issue. If a person wants to watch this movie he can, but if he doesn t want to he has the option not to watch or support the movie. An example of this is in the movie when Raymond Shaw was brainwashed to follow specific orders every time he saw a queen of diamonds. In the end he prevailed to finish off the communists even though it was his mother who started it all. I think it would be a disappointment to the actors, faculty, and producers if we withdraw the film so it s obvious where I stand.

Our film should stay in motion because it depicts the truth and honesty of what really happens in the cold war. Some have argued that The Manchurian Candidate may influence ideas to other countries about spies and may even show some weaknesses on our part, but I think the U.S. will always be the powerhouse of the world. The Manchurian Candidate also informs and educates the citizens of the hardships that could result from fighting in any war. The movie also takes place after the Korean War and deals more with communists and brainwashing. I know that relations with the Soviet Union are on thin ice but the two countries have been like that for a while.

On that note, I recently read a book talking about the Cold War and our relations with the Soviet Union. George Kennan, American diplomat and Soviet authority, argued against the recognition of the Soviet Union. He said, Never-neither then nor at any later date did I consider the Soviet Union a fit ally or associate, actual or potential, for this country (U.S.A). [Gorn, 222] Nobody wants to end up fighting in a war and I don t believe a movie will ever have such an impact on a country to cause any violence at all. Yes we ve fought in wars and in the future, there may even be another war, but I think many will agree that The Manchurian Candidate helps people think about some important issues. Its very important for the public to know what is happening as well as what can happen in wars whether its entertainment or not.

I believe a movie is made to entertain as well as educate, but The Manchurian Candidate will one day become a classic movie focusing on the motion pictures entertainment purposes. It has it all, the drama, love, and action to make it a well-rounded film. Our movie has been out for a year and people enjoy it. I know you will really think about this and it is important to look at all the things we can do to make it a little easier for others to accept my recommendation. I feel we need to write a letter to the government officials who are urging the withdrawal of the movie and explain our situation to them. We also need to include reasons that I have included in this memo. We could even compromise and make little changes in the movie that will satisfy them. I know it will be a shame to all the people and actors that have worked on the movie but I hope this memo clarifies my stand and I hope you consider all my recommendations.

Thank You,